Fourteen Etchells battled through six races in the Bay of Islands as Russell Boating Club’s growing Bay of Islands Etchells Cup Regatta fleet delivered another tight and tactical regatta.
The Bay of Islands Etchells Cup Regatta returned to Russell on 7–8 March 2026, bringing together a strong fleet of one design keelboats for two days of close racing. Hosted by Russell Boating Club and proudly. supported by Boating New Zealand as a named sponsor, the event once again highlighted the steady growth of Etchells sailing in Northland.
Fourteen boats lined up on the start line this year, a clear step up from the nine entries seen in 2025. Across the weekend the race committee completed six races in variable Bay of Islands conditions, ranging from light morning breezes to stronger afternoon winds. As always in Etchells racing, consistency proved the deciding factor.
When the scores were tallied, The Business, skippered by Stephen Pepperell of Russell Boating Club, claimed the 2026 Bay of Islands Etchells Cup. The Business delivered a disciplined series with three race wins and a net score of 10 points, discarding a sixth place result to secure the regatta.
Second place went to Matauwhi, helmed by Geof Lyman, also representing Russell Boating Club. Matauwhi showed impressive pace throughout the regatta, taking two race wins and finishing just two points behind the leaders on 12 points overall.
Third place was secured by QUANTUM, skippered by Derek Edwards of Opua Cruising Club, finishing the series on 18 points after a steady run of results.
The Etchells class remains one of the most respected one design keelboats in sailing. Designed in 1966 by American naval architect Skip Etchells, the 9.5 metre yacht is known for its strict class rules and highly competitive racing. With identical hulls produced from certified moulds and tightly controlled equipment rules, success in the class comes down to crew work, tactics, and boat handling rather than design advantage.
The Russell Boating Club fleet has grown steadily over recent seasons and now fields close to ten regular boats at club events. The annual Bay of Islands Etchells Cup has become a focal point for the class in the region, attracting both local and visiting crews.
With a larger fleet and consistently tight racing across the series, the 2026 Bay of Islands Etchells Cup confirmed the class remains alive and well in the Bay of Islands.
Results are provisional at the time of publication. Confirmed results and event photos to follow.
